PSG Set to Face Arsenal in Champions League Semi-Final Amid Dembele Concerns
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will be heading to Arsenal for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final next Tuesday, amidst worries regarding their key forward, Ousmane Dembele, following a draw with Nantes.
Coach Luis Enrique has voiced his frustration at rumors suggesting that Dembele is feeling discontent. With less than a week until the crucial match against Arsenal, it is important for the team, which is vying for a European title, to have their star player in top form.
So far this season, Dembele has made significant contributions with 32 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, helping PSG race to the Ligue 1 title. With the French team already crowned champions, their exclusive focus is now directed towards achieving victory in the Champions League.
In their last outing before the semi-final, PSG managed only a 1-1 draw against Nantes, with Dembele starting the match but being substituted shortly after the hour mark. His performance raised concerns among fans and analysts, given that it marked his fourth consecutive game without a goal.
Despite the growing speculation about Dembele’s performance, Enrique cleared the air, emphasizing that he is not worried about his player’s state of mind. He acknowledged the challenges of playing away, particularly in a challenging atmosphere like Nantes, but underscored the need for the team to learn and stay focused on their forthcoming match against Arsenal.
Looking ahead, Enrique knows that the semi-final will be a rigorous test. PSG has demonstrated resilience by defeating several strong teams, and the coach reiterated the team’s ambition to reach the final while maintaining their unbeaten league record, which he views as a motivating factor going forward.